Sunderland have shown interest in signing a 23-year-old midfielder, hoping to secure his services before European champions Atalanta…

Sunderland have expressed their interest in acquiring a 23-year-old midfielder, aiming to secure his signature ahead of European champions Atalanta.

Sunderland is reportedly keen on acquiring a 23-year-old midfielder during the upcoming summer transfer window, aiming to outmaneuver Europa League champions Atalanta for his services.

In transfer news concerning Sunderland, the Black Cats are actively pursuing new signings as Regis Le Bris prepares to make a strong debut as manager, striving to enhance the team’s chances of achieving promotion from the Championship.

Zan Vipotnik has surfaced as a potential target, particularly after his current club faced bankruptcy; however, Swansea City has already secured his signing.

Additionally, Fulham’s Jay Stansfield has been mentioned as a possible summer addition to the Stadium of Light.

Having spent the previous two seasons on loan at Exeter City and Birmingham City, the 22-year-old could serve as a viable alternative to Alexandre Mendy, although Mendy appears to be nearing a transfer to Sunderland.

In terms of potential departures this summer, Pierre Ekwah is reportedly a target for Leicester City, who have reached out regarding a transfer to the King Power Stadium following their promotion to the Premier League.

On the other hand, Jobe Bellingham has apparently rejected a move to Serie A side Lazio this summer, opting to remain at Sunderland for another season.

He may consider a switch to the Premier League next year if Sunderland do not secure promotion.

Sunderland are actively pursuing the signing of 23-year-old midfielder Enzo Bardeli from USL Dunkerque, as per reports from Foot Mercato [via Sport Witness]. Bardeli is also part of Thierry Henry’s preliminary squad for France’s team at the 2024 Olympics.

Several clubs are reportedly keen on acquiring the French player, with reigning Europa League champions Atalanta among them.

Other potential contenders include Real Valladolid, Lecce, Metz, and AZ Alkmaar, along with some unnamed teams from Germany and France.

Should Sunderland succeed in securing Bardeli ahead of Atalanta, it would signify a strong declaration of their ambitions, especially following their impressive victory in last season’s Europa League final against the highly regarded Bayer Leverkusen.

With four goals and seven assists across 77 matches for Dunkerque, he is noted for his “technical finesse,” suggesting he could enhance the quality and composure in the midfield for Le Bris.

Bardeli may currently be playing in Ligue 2, which is not one of Europe’s big leagues, but that doesn’t mean he couldn’t make a valuable contribution to Sunderland.

The fact that clubs of high caliber are showing interest in him speaks volumes about his quality. Adding depth to the team is crucial for the Black Cats’ potential return to the Premier League, and the young Frenchman could provide just that.

Additionally, his ability to play in defensive midfield and in a more attacking role adds versatility to the squad, as highlighted by Transfermarkt.